Leviticus 6:15

The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

Study Bible

The priest
In the Hebrew context, the word for "priest" is "kohen," which signifies a person set apart for sacred duties. The priesthood in Israel was established by God through Aaron and his descendants, emphasizing the importance of mediation between God and His people. The role of the priest was not only to perform rituals but also to teach the law and guide the people in holiness. This highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders today to live lives of integrity and devotion.

is to take a handful
The act of taking a handful signifies a portion set apart for God. In Hebrew, the word "qomets" refers to this specific measure, symbolizing dedication and offering. This act of taking a handful represents the idea of giving God the first and best of what we have, a principle that resonates with the call for believers to offer their lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

of fine flour
The "fine flour" or "solet" in Hebrew, indicates the best and most refined part of the grain. It symbolizes purity and the absence of corruption, reflecting the holiness required in offerings to God. This purity points to the sinless nature of Christ, the ultimate offering, and calls believers to pursue holiness in their own lives.

and olive oil
Olive oil, or "shemen" in Hebrew, was a valuable commodity in ancient Israel, used for anointing, cooking, and lighting lamps. It symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence and anointing. The inclusion of oil in the offering signifies the need for the Spirit's work in sanctifying and empowering believers for service.

together with all the frankincense
Frankincense, known as "lebonah" in Hebrew, was a costly and fragrant resin used in worship. It represents prayer and worship rising to God (Psalm 141:2). The use of frankincense in the offering underscores the importance of a heart of worship and prayer accompanying our acts of service and sacrifice.

that is on the grain offering
The grain offering, or "minchah," was a voluntary act of worship, expressing gratitude and devotion to God. It was distinct from sin offerings, focusing on fellowship and thanksgiving. This offering reminds believers of the importance of gratitude and the joy of giving back to God from what He has provided.

and burn the memorial portion
The "memorial portion," or "azkarah," refers to the part of the offering that is burned on the altar, serving as a reminder before God. This act of burning signifies the complete dedication and consumption of the offering, symbolizing the total surrender of the believer's life to God.

on the altar
The altar, or "mizbeach," was the sacred place where offerings were made to God. It represents the meeting point between the divine and the human, a place of sacrifice and atonement. For Christians, the altar points to the cross, where Christ's ultimate sacrifice was made for the redemption of humanity.

as a pleasing aroma
The phrase "pleasing aroma," or "reyach nichoach," indicates God's acceptance and satisfaction with the offering. It reflects the idea that true worship and sacrifice, when offered with a sincere heart, are delightful to God. This concept encourages believers to live lives that are pleasing to God, characterized by obedience and love.

to the LORD
The term "LORD," or "YHWH," is the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people. The offerings were made to the LORD as an expression of devotion and covenant faithfulness. This reminds believers of the importance of maintaining a personal and covenantal relationship with God through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Priest
The priest is the mediator between God and the people, responsible for performing the sacrificial rituals as prescribed by the Law.

2. Grain Offering
A type of offering made to God, consisting of fine flour, olive oil, and frankincense, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving.

3. Altar
The sacred place where offerings are made to God, representing His presence and the place of atonement.

4. Memorial Portion
A part of the grain offering that is burned on the altar, serving as a reminder of the covenant between God and His people.

5. Pleasing Aroma
A metaphorical expression indicating that the offering is acceptable and pleasing to God.

Teaching Points

The Role of the Priest
The priest's role as a mediator foreshadows Christ's ultimate priesthood, reminding us of the importance of intercession and mediation in our spiritual lives.

Symbolism of the Grain Offering
The grain offering symbolizes dedication and thanksgiving. As believers, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, dedicating our talents and resources to God's service.

The Significance of the Altar
The altar represents God's presence and the place of atonement. We are reminded of the importance of approaching God with reverence and sincerity in our worship.

Memorial Portion as a Reminder
The memorial portion serves as a reminder of God's covenant. In our lives, we should regularly remember and celebrate God's faithfulness and promises.

Pleasing Aroma to the Lord
Our actions and offerings should be a pleasing aroma to God, reflecting a heart of obedience and love. This challenges us to examine our motives and attitudes in worship and service.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the priest in Leviticus 6:15 point to the work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest?

2. In what ways can we offer our own "grain offerings" to God today, and how do these offerings reflect our dedication and thanksgiving?

3. What does the concept of a "pleasing aroma" teach us about the nature of acceptable worship and service to God?

4. How can we ensure that our actions and offerings are a "memorial portion" that honors God's covenant and faithfulness?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt your offering to God was truly pleasing to Him. What made it different, and how can you apply that experience to your daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 29:18
This verse also speaks of offerings being a pleasing aroma to the Lord, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the heart behind the offering.

Hebrews 13:15-16
These verses encourage believers to offer sacrifices of praise and good deeds, drawing a parallel to the Old Testament offerings as acts of worship.

Philippians 4:18
Paul describes the gifts from the Philippians as a fragrant offering, highlighting the continuity of sacrificial giving in the New Testament.